Castle Rock Colorado History

Castle Rock Colorado history begins with the castle-shaped rock on top of the plateau above the town.

Castle Rock was originally home to the Arapahoe and Cheyenne tribes who occupied the land between the South Platte and Arkansas rivers. Castle Rock Colorado history is extremely interesting as it blends many cultures.

The first settlers in Castle Rock came based on rumors of gold, silver and free land through the Homestead Act of 1864. Though no gold was found, rhyolite stone was found and a quarry begun.

Castle Rock began with the shacks of laborers, prospectors and other hired hands. In 874, Jeremiah Gould, one of the original homesteaders, donated 120 acres to be know as Castle Rock. Castle Rock Colorado history was born with these people.

Two miles north of the town was another small town called New Memphis which was named after Memphis, Tennessee. After Castle Rock became the seat of Douglas County, the residents moved to Castle Rock.

There were six major streets in the new town; Elbert, Jerry, Wilcox, Perry, Castle and Ford. Today Wilcox is the main street. Many of the buildings that were built on these six streets are still in use today. The history of Castle Rock Colorado is alive and well in the main town!

The Castle Rock Historical Society has been very successful in preserving the past. They offer a walking tour through the town that is well worth doing. They are housed in the old train depot. This is a great place to learn more about Castle Rock Colorado history.

Two of the old building that have been re-puposed are the Old Stone Church and the Masonic Lodge. Castle Rock Colorado history keeps up with the times by recycling!

The Old Stone Church restaurant began life as the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. It was dedicated December 15, 1889. It is made of local rhyolite stone.

The Douglas Masonic Lodge No. 153 AF and AM was originally the First National Bank of Douglas County. It is a two story structure at 300 Wilcox St. It was built in 1904, it went bankrupt in 1933, and was purchased by the Masons in 1937.

Castle Rock has managed to blend the old with the new. It is a wonderful place to live.